Exports, Productivity and Economic Growth in Pakistan: A Time Series Analysis

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between exports and economic growth in Pakistan by utilizing the analytical framework put forward by Feder (1983). The hypothesis that marginal factor productivities are not equal in export and non-export sectors of the Pakistan economy is tested by using time series from 1973 to 2005. The estimation results indicate that marginal factor productivities are significantly higher in the export sector. Moreover, the difference seems to derive, in part, from inter-sectoral positive externalities generated by the export sector. In broad terms, therefore, the results of this study are supportive of the export oriented, outward-looking approach to trade relations adopted by policymakers over the past decade